An echocardiogram evaluates the overall function of the heart. It is used to determine if a patient has cardiovascular disease.

It’s an ultrasound for the heart – detecting waves of sound frequencies.

Sound is made up of lots of different frequency waves.

This high frequency is an ultrasound.  It’s too high to hear with the human ear.

These sound waves produce moving pictures of the heart and are viewed on a video screen.

An echo is a valuable tool to identify any heart abnormalities. It gives a wealth of information on how the heart is beating and the blood is pumping.  It can detect if there is any heart disease and if so, the severity of it.

It’s used to check the blood flow; heart muscle contraction (pumping ability of the heart); if each chamber of the heart is functioning properly; if the valves are working as they should and the strength of the heart.

An echo is noninvasive and doesn’t hurt at all.  You just have a lot of slimy goo on your chest when you’re done.

Typically the testing is around 15 – 30 minutes.

Your heart has four chambers and is approximately the size of a fist.  The chambers are: left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium and right atrium.

The left and right ventricles pump blood out of the heart into your body.  The right ventricle pushes blood to your lungs and the left ventricle pumps blood to all of the other organs.

The right and left atrium hold the blood that returns to your heart and they empty it into the left and right ventricles at the proper moment.

HOW DOES MY HEART PUMP?

Picture your heart as the right heart pump and left heart pump working together in a cycle.  This is your heart’s function, to pump blood and circulate it throughout the body.

Your body’s organs return your inadequately oxygenated blood to the right atrium.  It is kept there until the right atrium contracts and allows your blood to enter into the right ventricle. Then the right ventricle contracts and the blood pumps into the pulmonary artery and next to your lungs where it gathers oxygen.

The left side pumps the well oxygenated blood. The blood returns from your lungs into the left atrium and will stay there until it contracts. When it contracts, the mitral valve opens and the blood enters into the left ventricle. The left ventricle will contract and the aortic valve will open and the blood will be pushed into your aorta, the main artery of the body. The aorta then carries the blood throughout your body.

HOW DOES MY HEART PUMPING CORRELATE WITH MY ARRHYTHMIA?

Essentially, the beat of your heart is your heart pumping.  When you have a heart arrhythmia there is something irregular about the rhythm of the pumping of your heart.   Nearly any arrhythmia can cause palpitations (extra heart beats).

To properly diagnose that the issue is not more serious, check with your doctor.  (LINK for your heart tests)

CONTACT ME to learn what helped me!  (some type of link to you here too – doesn’t have to be worded like this)

Often times your body will respond to stress physically as well as mentally or emotionally.  A common physical stress response is your heart will begin to race.  It may feel like once it starts, you cannot get it to stop.  Learning deep breathing techniques can help your heart.  Slow, deep breaths will slow your heart rate and possibly help you manage your heart palpitations.

Try these breathing techniques to manage your heart palpitations:

• Deep Breathing – Sit up straight and inhale through your nose.  Count to 4 or 5.  Hold your breath for a count of 5 and exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.  Repeat several times.  You can do this technique lying down too.  My heart palpitations were so bad that I would get very weak (my average heart rate was 213 beats a minute).  I would have to hold my breath for even longer and I felt that it helped to oxygenate my cells.  My theory was the oxygen would help me from feeling so weak.

• I’m out of breath! (Use to regain your regular breathing pattern) - Relax your neck and shoulders. Inhale slowly through your nose and count to 3.  Pretend you are about to whistle and breathe out for a count of 6 or longer.  Repeat until you are able to breathe at your normal rate.

• Abdominal Focused Breathing – Put one hand on your chest and one on your abdomen.  Inhale through your nose and your belly should extend out. (If your chest extends out more than your abdomen you are not properly doing this exercise so keep trying!)  Hold your inhaled breath for a count between 5 and 7. Breathe out of your mouth and your belly should pull back in.  Repeat five times. 

• Short & Shallow – Take a short breath through your nose and blow out through mouth.  Repeat 10 times.  

Some people may find that focusing on their breathing actually makes them hyperventilate or panic. Should this happen to you, contact your doctor or counselor and discuss other techniques to relax.

Dr. Robert Fulford, DO says, “The foundation of prosperous health depends on the basic ability of getting oxygen to the cells, and deep breathing is the simplest, most fundamental method of accomplishing that.”

Remember, breathing exercises help keep chest muscles (like your heart) active!

How are you sleeping?  Do you wake up frequently and never reach a deep sleep?

Are you on overdrive and don’t sleep much at all?

Your racing heart beat could be caused by lack of sleep.  We know that everyone has different sleep patterns, but in general, the average person needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep.  If you are getting less that 7 or not truly resting, your sleep deprivation could be a contributing factor for your heart palpitations.

Why would lack of sleep cause my arrhythmia?

Without proper sleep, your body will be fatigued.  If your body is tired all of the time then it will not function in its normal capacity.  As your body starts to work harder just to try and reach its regular functioning capabilities, then your heart will work harder. When your heart works harder, it can increase the occurrence of an irregular heartbeat.

What is the solution?

Well, it would be easy for me to say…”Just get some sleep,” but I know many times it is not that easy.  Keep your mind occupied with something else other than focusing on the fact that you are not sleeping. Try some simple sleep exercises, here are a few suggestions:

• Count backward from 1000 by 3s or 4s.  Change your pattern night to night.

• Use the alphabet and pick a topic.  For example, names.  Start with A and think of a name, like Alice.  B for Betty.  Each letter you add repeat from the beginning.

• Do a word search, crossword or other puzzle.

• Tighten your body, part by part and let it relax.  For example, make your toes as tight as you can for 5 seconds, and then feel them relax for 5 seconds.  Go up your body until you reach your head.

• Take deep relaxing breaths (see my breathing exercises article).
  

• Keep the TV and or computer out of your bedroom; they can distract you from sleep.

If you have tried various relaxation exercises and still find you cannot sleep, you should talk to your doctor about it or take something natural like valerian to help you relax and sleep.  You need to sleep!  It is vital for the rejuvenation of your body, mind and…heart!

LINK – how to choose a supplement.

The stress of trying to work my way up the corporate ladder took its toll on my health. Working long hours and striving to “achieve” caused a lot of stress, which developed into
problems with my heart. I was weak, dizzy and light headed most of the time. I remember going to aerobic class and taking my pulse and she’d always tell me I must be wrong, so I thought I just didn’t know how to take my pulse properly. Now I know different. This was in my early to mid twenties when this all started.

The palpitations just got worse and worse. I was weak all the time and would get head rushes every time I stood up. My heart pounded so hard, you could literally see my clothes move. I used to hide it by holding things over my chest thinking everyone could see my heart. When I would walk up the stairs and get to the top, I had to nonchalantly go really slow to catch my breath. I was more shy back then and didn’t really tell anyone how bad it was.

I knew the importance of good health. So, I was eating good food, exercised daily and thought I was doing everything I could. But I was still weak all the time due to my super fast heart rate.

When I first went in to get tested, they thought it was my mitral valve (which it wasn’t). Years later I went in again and had an electrophysiology test done. That was no fun at all. I told them I wanted a family someday and was told due to my heart issues, I couldn’t. They told me I wasn’t getting enough oxygen, so the baby wouldn’t either and could have birth defects. That’s all I was told. They recommended a drug, but when I looked at the side effects, I thought – no way. I could’ve ended up worse than what I was. I certainly didn’t want that. So I lived with it for 10 years.

I felt frustrated because the Dr’s. didn’t understand how bad I was – they just didn’t believe me when I told them. That’s part of the reason I just kept it to myself all those years. My boyfriend (now husband) convinced me to have surgery. It was no picnic, but I had it done and felt like a new person – for 2 weeks. It came back. I thought I was imagining it, because when you feel so bad for so long it is normal for you. It was weird for me not to be dizzy and have head rushes. After a week, I realized it is true – it is back. I called the hospital and they told me to come in and have a Holter monitor put on. I had never heard of a Holter monitor before. When I went in, they hooked me up. The nurse said – press this when you have a symptom. I said – I have a symptom all the time. She rolled her eyes at me and said just press it when you have a symptom. I didn’t care for her attitude, but thought whatever, I’ll just try to pick and choose when to press it. After 24 hours, I went back in to have it taken off. She said they would call in a few days. I got a call from my surgeon within an hour. He was in shock. He kept saying – Oh my God – do you know how fast your heart rate is – Oh my God. Your average heart rate is 213 beats a minute and it was up to 240. I said, yes I know. He said – can you come in this Friday and have the surgery over again. I said no because I couldn’t get off of work that soon and find someone to drive me. The hospital was in a different state from where I was living. He said – I can’t get you in until September (3 months away). I said OK. I’ll just come then. He said – how are you going to live that way for that long. I laughed. I said I’ve been living this way for 10 years. What’s another 3 months. I have to tell you – it felt good that someone finally believed me and could see it on paper.

I had the second surgery and guess what – it came back again within about 6 weeks. It wasn’t as severe – my heart rate was more like 160 – 180 (which is really high, but not as bad as 213). I was still very weak and dizzy a lot – just like before. I went in the hospital month after month, test after test for one year. Now looking back, I was a guinea pig. My doctors were working with the world specialists in that area and they couldn’t figure out what was going on with me. It was very frustrating.

A year after my second surgery, I did something very simple that changed my life.

P.S. If you want to hear more, click here.

P.P.S. I was able to have a daughter who is incredibly healthy – who is now 12 years old!

If you’re a smoker and experiencing either arrhythmia or heart palpitations, there is a clear connection between the two.

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat and arrhythmia.

What is the link?

Simply put, nicotine is a stimulant and when you smoke, nicotine accelerates the electrical conducting system within your heart.

What about if I only smoke occasionally?

You may consider yourself a social smoker and you’re not worried about occasional heart palpitations or arrhythmia you experience, but the truth is, your rapid heartbeat will become more persistent.  The reason for this is that your heart will begin to suffer from tar oils and toxins from the cigarette smoke.

How do I quit?

It is a big challenge to quit smoking, but the reward and result for your body can be positively astounding.  I am not a smoker; I obviously don’t have first hand experience to know how difficult the hurdles will be, but I do know there are unlimited resources to assist you through the process.  Perhaps meeting with a counselor or doctor to determine a course of action is a good place to start.  Try to redirect your smoking habits and fill the “cigarette void” with another activity such as exercise. You have to change your routine and want to quit!  Don’t be afraid to lean on others.  Join a support group and when you’re having a rough day, call up your support system (family, friends, co-workers, etc…) and talk through it!  If you want it, you can do it!

I’ve quit smoking and my palpitations have increased, why?

Some people may find that their heart palpitations increase after they have stopped smoking.  This is normal because your body will need time for your lungs, cells and heart to feel healthy again.  Also, a side effect of many medications can cause changes in your heart rhythm (arrhythmia, heart palpitations, heart flutters, etc…).  A supplement regime can be beneficial to help your body recover and rebuild more quickly. (ß LINK)

I like to remind people that most heart palpitations are just a nuisance and are not life-threatening, but to determine that… you should talk to your doctor.

A rapid heartbeat can usually be linked to stress. When you are in a stressful situation your body will react by going into “flight or fight” mode and that can result in a rapid heartbeat. Once the stress is removed form the situation, your heartbeat should return to a normal pace.

There are things you can do to decrease your stress and get your heart palpitations under control. Supplements were the most important addition to my life and truly have proved to be an absolute essential part of my recovery, but I have also made massage part of my routine. What better way to combat stress than with a little self pampering, but it benefits go beyond just indulgence. A number of research studies by the American Massage Therapy Association show massage can reduce heart palpitations and heart rate.

You need to figure out how to let go a little and massage can provide you that outlet. There are actually heart massage techniques that can be performed by your massage therapists. The most important thing to a successful massage is communication with your massage therapist. They need to know what type of massage is actually relaxing for you. I have had a few massages where I assume they know what feels good to me and clearly they don’t. Speak up! If the pressure is too much or if you’re uncomfortable, let your therapist know right away. Remember the goal is relax and unwind. When you loosen up, your palpitations will slow down.

If you don’t have the extra money, do it yourself or have a friend or love one give you a massage. There have been numerous studies on the healing benefits of touch! Even if you don’t get a massage by a trained therapist, it will still feel great!

Just a reminder… the first place to start if you are experiencing heart arrhythmia or heart palpitations is at your doctor. Usually a racing heart is not cause for alarm, but it is always important to make sure it isn’t a result of a serious health condition.

Atrial Flutter (Rapid Heart Rate) – abnormal heart rhythm that happens in the atria of the heart

Atrial Fibrillation – the heart is beating too fast and irregularly.  You need to seek treatment and this may increase your risk of stroke.

Arrhythmia – An irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat.

Bpm – beats per minute (see heart rate)

Brachycardia –a very slow heart rate (less than 60 bpm)

Ectopic Beats – an extra beat of the heart.  Treatment is not usually necessary unless you experience several extra beats in row or have other heart conditions.

Heart Palpitation – a rapid, irregular or pulsating heart beat.  Gives you the sense that you can feel or see your heart beat.

Heart Rate – the frequency cardiac cycle.  Heart rate is calculated as the number of contractions (heart beats) in one minute and expressed as bpm (beats per minute).

Tachycardia – a very fast heart rate (over 100 bpm)

• Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia – the heart may have times when it beats fast, but still regularly.  The feeling may be unpleasant, but this is not usually dangerous.
• Ventricular Tachycardia – the heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood.  This can be dangerous for some people (if they have chest pain, feel faint or short of breath) and you need to seek immediate care.
• *Supraventricular Tachycardia – abnormal fast heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers (atria) and rhythm may remain constant. Caused from abnormal electrical connections in the heart.  May experience racing pulse, shortness of breath, feel faint, chest pain, throat tightness, sweating, etc. You should seek immediate care.

Visit my heart anatomy page to learn more. (ß LINK)

I experienced severe heart palpitations and found supplements to be my life changing solution!  Read more about my story and contact me.  I would love the opportunity to help you regain your heart health!

*I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia.

According to Wikipedia:
A supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a rapid rhythm of the heart in which the origin of the heart beat is either in the atria or an electrical loop involving the AV node. This is in contrast to the potentially deadlier ventricular tachycardias, which are rapid rhythms that originate from the ventricles of the heart, that is, below the atria or AV node.

It can be different for everyone.  It is too difficult to pinpoint one thing.  Each person may be able to make the connection of what triggers their heart palpitations.  And maybe they can’t.  My supra ventricular tachycardia was constant.  I never had relief from my racing heart.  I know corporate stress started my heart problems.  Then my super fast heart rate never went away.  Although exercise did trigger my irregular heart beat to really skyrocket – 240 beats a minute typically.

Extra pathways in the heart can cause heart palpitations.  Heart disease can also cause arrhythmias.  Other causes can be: stress (like what happened to me); caffeine; anxiety; drugs, including diet pills and over the counter meds for colds; alcohol; thyroid issues; lack of oxygen.

What is a normal heart rate?

A normal heart beat is 60 – 100 beats a minute and should beat at a steady and even pace.

How do I know if I have arrhythmia and if I need help with arrhythmia?

You would literally feel your heart flutter, racing heart beat, heart pounding out of your chest or something similar to that. (heart skips a beat (too many?))
You could also experience pain in your chest, weakness or fatigue, lightheadedness or shortness of breath. When I stood up or just climbed up the stairs, I used to feel the blood rush into my head and my head would start throbbing and I would be short of breath. I would stop at the top of the stairs to catch my breath (very nonchalantly so no one would notice).

There is no need to be worried if you feel an occasional racing heart beat or heart flutter.
It is always good to rule things out though with your Dr.